It's a bit like child birth though, because now that it's over, I can hardly remember the bad parts.

The pictures are a bit dark (it was cloudy) but we went with a dark brown stain and a satin clear coat.

I think the end result is lovely.

Here is a semi-before. The fireplace had been finished, but the carpet is still there.

The hardwoods were a chestnut color.

And this view from the front door into the dining room shows how David had to tie in the new flooring to the existing. He did top-notch work. Now that the entire floor has been refinished, I cannot tell where the old and new floor meet.

Next up...the kitchen.

To give you an idea of the general layout, the french door leads to the office/music room and to the left of it is the glass door that leads to the pantry. To the left of the pantry is the dining room. And behind that highchair is a breakfast nook.

(door opens to deck)

The simple plan is this: change everything.

Ha! Close though.

I really love the layout and we will keep the cabinets and of course the fridge I picked this summer.

But most other aspects of the room will be re-imagined.

Wish us luck.

Also.

Did I ever mention that we were this close to building a house?

Yes. We had scoped a lot, selected a plan and a builder.

We got so far as to actually have two cashiers checks in hand and were in the final meeting

with the builder to hold the lot and sign the contract.

And I just. couldn't. do. it.

It's a crazy story for another day.

But in the end...this house won out,

in all of it's short-sale glory.

And we knew from the very beginning (and budgeted cash for) the changes we wanted to make.

I remind myself of this often these days because when you are in the middle,

it's hard not to let your mind drift to the "would have been scenarios".

You know, the ones where we would be living in a house that would reflect our ideas

8 comments:

I love it!!! The floors are beautiful, the fireplace is gorgeous, mirror/tv solution is genius, and the rest of the house is already wonderful but I'm sure will be jaw-dropping when you're all done. I'm so happy for you! I think I'll hire you and Dave to come work your magic at our house! Seriously!!

i am in love. love the floors. love the molding around the fireplace. love love love the tiles around the fireplace. you have such great taste and i need you here! it looks great. good job dave! also....love the "p" you have on the mantle. b/c i have the same thing ;)

I'm excited for you! Excited that you are starting to see your own vision in your home. I think we all have our "dream" home, even if it's not exactly what we have now. I know I do. I'm impressed that your hubby can do all that on his own. It's looking great!